WHAT'S HAPPENING IN EL CAJON

By Miriam Raftery

January 18, 2016 (El Cajon) – The City of El Cajon’s latest newsletter lists many special events in El Cajon, including festivals, a farmer’s market, Chamber and charity events,  disaster preparedness classes, a photography showing,  a beauty pageant, recreational classes and much more.  Scroll down for the full details. 

Events:

*January 18 - City offices are closed in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Leadership Alumni Breakfast

The first Leadership Alumni Breakfast is this week! Catch up with old friends, make new connections, and listen to a presentation by El Cajon City Manager Douglas Williford.  This event is hosted by the East County Chamber of Commerce.  The date is Thursday, January 21, 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Elks Lodge 1812, located at 1400 E. Washington in El Cajon.  The cost is $15 per person, RSVP required to sarahm@eastcountychamber.org - or call (619) 440-6161 to learn more and register for this this event.

Tea By The Sea

Just a few spaces left for St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center Annual Tea By The Sea event on Saturday, January 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Marine Room, located at 2000 Spindrift Drive in La Jolla.  Enjoy a specialty tea menu created by Chef Bernard, live music and a silent auction. Tickets are $95 per person. Proceeds benefit the SMSC’s Culinary Arts Program.  For more information, or to RSVP, please call (619) 442-5129, ext. 115 or visitwww.stmsc.org.   

Citizen Of The Year Luncheon

The East County Chamber’s Annual Citizen of the Year Luncheon will take place on Monday, February 1, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the El Cajon Elks Lodge, located at 1400 E. Washington Avenue.  Join the Chamber as they honor the El Cajon Citizen of the Year Humbert Cabrera! Tickets are $18 per person. For reservations, please call (619) 440-6161 or visit www.eastcountychamber.org.

Space Still Available For Free Disaster Preparedness Classes

The new CERT disaster preparedness academies for 2016 have been posted. This valuable program is designed to help protect yourself, your family, your neighbors and your neighborhood in an emergency situation/disaster and to possibly assist emergency agencies during large natural disasters.  Three academies are planned for this year;January 23, June 11, and September 10. Each academy consists of six classes.  Note: A few spaces left for the academy beginning this coming Saturday, January 23rd. 

Visit www.heartlandfire.org for the full 2016 CERT Academy schedule, or call (619) 441-1737 for more information.

*For information on El Niño readiness, please visit www.heartlandfire.org and click on the El Niño tab.  Special educational video available.

Photographic Art Show At The Wieghorst Museum

Mark your calendar for a photographic art show on Thursday, January 28, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum.   This special event features the art of Garry Anderson and Joe Payson, along with a catered reception.  The museum is located at 131 Rea Avenue in El Cajon.  For more information, please call (619) 590-3431.  

Miss El Cajon Scholarship Pageant Accepting Applications

The 2016 Miss El Cajon Pageant is now accepting applications from young ladies, ages 9-22, to represent the City of El Cajon. The pageant is a rewarding experience for all who participate, with the chance to win a scholarship and to serve our community for an entire year. There are no entry fees and applicants are judged on personal interview, evening gown, onstage question, poise and personality. There is no swimsuit or talent competition. Applicants must be residents of El Cajon or attend/have graduated from Cuyamaca College or Grossmont College.  A Pageant Orientation will be held March 5, 2016, at Parkway Plaza Mall, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., the current Miss El Cajon, Kaci McCorkell and members of her Court will be available to answer questions regarding the Scholarship Program. Please bring completed forms to this orientation. The 2016 Miss El Cajon Scholarship Pageant will be held April 9, 2016, at Greenfield Middle School’s theater.  For more information, please call (619) 390-0061.  Applications are now available by email at misselcajon@cox.net, or you may message the Director on Facebook under "Miss El Cajon Scholarship Pageant."

Rooms Available For Your Special Event Or Meeting

El Cajon Recreation Centers offer great rooms for your next special event or meeting!  The neighborhood recreation centers each have rooms available to rent. If you need a clean, affordable place for your child’s next birthday party, hobby club meeting, or wedding anniversary celebration, give the City a call! The City is happy to provide more information on availability, pricing and amenities. You can view pictures of each site, as well as a description of the facility, by going to www.elcajonrec.org and clicking on “Recreation Centers” on the left side of the page.

Please note: The Ronald Reagan Community Center will be closed for renovations starting in January into the fall.   

For more information about El Cajon Recreation Department parks, facilities, programs, classes and events call (619) 441-1754.

Winter 2016 Guide To Recreation Available Online

See all the fun programs and sports offered by the City of El Cajon Recreation Department in the winter edition of the City of El Cajon Guide to Recreation! See the guide online at www.elcajonrec.org, or pick up a copy at any of El Cajon Recreation Centers, at local libraries, and in the lobby of City Hall, at 200 Civic Center Way. For more information, please call (619) 441-1516.

Upcoming Events:

March 12 - RUN EC’s St. Patrick’s Day Half Marathon – Register Now

Registration for the St. Patrick’s Day Half Marathon, 5K Run/Walk, Green Mile & Tribes and Clans competition onSaturday, March 12, 2016, is now OPEN!  The St. Patrick’s Day Half Marathon is dedicated to involve the entire family in fun and fitness. The Green Mile Fun Run, an enjoyable, short distance, non-competitive event, is also available!  The Half Marathon begins at 198 West Main Street, in Downtown El Cajon, next to the El Cajon Arch. Those who register online can pick-up their bibs on Friday, March 11.  Saturday registration and bib pick-up will start at 6:00 a.m.  This event is hosted by the Run East County Foundation.  Funds raised will benefit several East County charities.  Please visit www.stpatricksdayhalf.com for more information, to register, or to volunteer - Volunteer Appreciation Letters will be provided!

May 15 - 22 - Sixth Annual 2016 AMGEN Tour of California Coming To El Cajon - The 2016 Amgen Tour of California, presented by AEG, will once again bring World Champions, Olympic Medalists, top Tour de France competitors and other elite professional cyclists to the highways, byways and ocean vistas of California for an 8-day, 800+-mile race. A portion of this race will make its way through the City of El Cajon. Registration is now open atwww.amgentourofcalifornia.com/letapecalifornia.  

May 21 - America on Main Street in Downtown El Cajon – the theme is “The Beach Comes East!”  This 3^rd annual event will be hosted in Downtown El Cajon on Armed Forces Day. Free admission, rides – including a Ferris Wheel and carousel, unique petting zoos, kid's crafts, live music and more!  Hours will be from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for this fun, free, family event!  Be a community sponsor or volunteer, please call (619) 441-1754 or visitwww.americaonmainstreet.org.

General Information:

Fresh Fruits, Vegetables And More At The El Cajon Farmers’ Market

Stop by the El Cajon Farmers’ Market every Thursday at the Prescott Promenade, located at 201 E. Main Street.  Hours are from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  The Farmers’ Market offers a wide variety of fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables, fresh baked breads and more.  For more information, please visit www.elcajonfarmersmarket.org.    

January 26 and February 9 - El Cajon City Council Meetings are at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., as needed. The meetings are held in the Council Chamber at 200 Civic Center Way. For more information, and to view the full agenda online, please visit www.cityofelcajon.us.

January 29 and February 12 - Alternate Friday closures for El Cajon City offices. Please go to www.cityofelcajon.usfor a full calendar of hours for City offices during 2016.

Stay Informed On City Events And Meetings

Visit the City of El Cajon’s new website at www.cityofelcajon.us and see all the exciting events and a variety of meetings planned throughout the year.  Register for the “E-NOTIFICATION” system and select the information you would like to receive email notifications about.   It’s easy and it’s free.  In addition, find links and information for various City departments and services.